Does the definition of applied behavior analysis address the key characteristics of applied behavior analysis? How do the characteristics and domains of applied behavior analysis support the role of a behavior analyst as a scientist practitioner? Comment on Post: Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an applied science in which procedures are developed, using the principles of behavior, to create observable changes in socially significant behavior and determine the variables that are responsible for the behavior change (Cooper et al., 2020). ABA has many key characteristics that separate it from other fields of behavioral science. In the field of ABA, behavior change procedures must be conceptually systematic and technological, meaning they are effective and described in a way so that any reader would have a favorable chance at repeating the study and garnering the same results (Cooper et al., 2020). ABA also utilizes a more naturalistic setting over a laboratory setting. ABA is part of the four domains of behavior analysis, which includes: experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), radical behaviorism, ABA, and professional practice, with the first three becoming the three branches of behavior analysis (Cooper et al., 2020). Although EAB, radical behaviorism, and ABA are all branches of behavior analysis, they differ in many ways. Experimental analysis of behavior focuses on basic research over applied research. The primary goal of EAB is to discover functional relations between behavior and controlling variables and clarify basic principles of behavior (Cooper et al., 2020). However, EAB and ABA have many similarities, with the primary activity in both being designing, conducting, interpreting, and reporting basic or applied experiments. Radical behaviorism focuses on theory and philosophy, encompassing all forms of behavior- not just observable ones. This branch of behavioral analysis provides a framework for EAB and ABA by describing abstract and prevalent behavior (Leigland, 2010). Since it focuses on theory, radical behaviorism also has a very wide scope. Professional practice focuses on the professional services of behavior analysts. The primary goal of this domain is to continuously improve the quality of life for their clients through changes in their behavior. This is accomplished by designing, implementing, and evaluating behavior change programs (Cooper et al., 2020). Although all the domains are interconnected, this domain pulls from all three other domains in order to deliver services which are derived from the science of behavioral analysis. These domains also help to describe the role of a behavior analyst as a scientist-practioner. The science-practioner model places an emphasis on the integration of practice and research- ensuring the individual can provide services, as well as conduct research (Weiss, 2018). References Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis. Pearson. Leigland S. (2010). Functions of research in radical behaviorism for the further development of behavior analysis. The Behavior analyst, 33(2), 207-222. https://doi-org.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/10.1007/BF03392220 Weiss, M. J. (2018). The Concept of the Scientist Practitioner and Its Extension to Behavior Analysis. Education and Treatment of Children, 41(3), 385-394. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.2018.0021